Brisbane Festival is a celebration of everything we love about Brisbane so I was delighted that we could bring the city together – in person and in spirit – to enjoy Sunsuper Riverfire which is a wonderful community celebration.
The Festival’s Brightly Brisbane vision speaks to a sense of pride in our city; of celebrating our landmarks, lifestyle and those elements that make it unique.
We are so grateful to have this bright, unifying celebration for Brisbane with a program that focused on positivity, resilience, hope and triumph over adversity.
Louise Bezzina – Artistic Director of Brisbane Festival
A massive shout-out to Sunsuper for bringing tonight’s much-loved fireworks event to Brisbane for the 10th year in a row.
I am also thankful for our Festival team and 150-strong volunteer force as well as our many partners and sponsors for helping us deliver a safe, exciting and world-class event.
Brisbane Festival was the much-needed celebration residents and visitors were craving after a tumultuous 18 months and I am so pleased we could share with them a Brightly Brisbane Festival where more than 70 per cent of the program was free.
Charlie Cush – CEO of Brisbane Festival
Thanks to the ongoing support of our major shareholders, Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council, we have seen the city really connect with Louise Bezzina’s Brightly Brisbane vision, leaving no doubt that September is Brisbane Festival.
I extend my deepest gratitude also to our new donors and our loyal, returning philanthropists in driving Brisbane Festival’s Giving Program to new heights each year since its 2016 inception.
Alison Smith – Chair of Brisbane Festival
The 2021 Festival has been a true testament to Queensland’s talent, creativity and resilience, employing local artists, showcasing Queensland arts companies and commissioning new works.
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk MP – Premier of Queensland
Since the onset of COVID-19, the Palaszczuk Government has committed to more than $79 million worth of measures to stabilise and sustain the arts sector, including the dedicated $22.5 million Arts and Cultural Recovery Package, and a further $7 million to support the live music sector.
The arts, cultural and creative sectors are key to delivering our plan for economic recovery from COVID-19, each year injecting $8.5 billion into the state’s economy and supporting more than 92,000 jobs for Queenslanders.
The Honourable Leeanne Enoch MP – Queensland Minister for the Arts
Having Brisbane Festival back in our city and throughout our suburbs was a great confidence booster for residents as it demonstrates how we are gradually returning to a more normal way of life where lockdowns and restrictions are a thing of the past.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner
